This edition was prepared by Jonathan Goodliffe — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Heidenröslein
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Heidenröslein by Heinrich Werner — Lyrics
Sah ein Knab' ein Röslein stehn,
Röslein auf der Heiden,
war so jung und morgenschön,
lief er schnell, es nah zu sehn,
sah's mit vielen Freuden.
Röslein, Röslein, Röslein rot,
Röslein auf der Heiden.
Knabe sprach: Ich breche dich,
Röslein auf der Heiden!
Röslein sprach: Ich steche dich,
daß du ewig denkst an mich,
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About Heidenröslein
This setting of Goethe's Heidenröslein brings to life the charming narrative of a boy's encounter with a wild rose. The poem's simple yet poignant story unfolds as the boy, captivated by the rose's beauty, attempts to pick it. The rose, however, defends itself with thorns, a metaphor for the pain that can accompany desire or pursuit. The composer Heinrich Werner captures this folk-like tale in a three-part arrangement for treble voices (SAB), with the original German lyrics adding to the song's authentic character. It is a delightful example of the German secular part-song tradition, ideal for choirs seeking engaging and illustrative repertoire.
